I was recently laid off from a job that I was at only a year and a half.

Anonymous

March 11,2023 at 4:19PM UTC

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I was recently laid off from a job that I was at only a year and a half. During that time, I had 3 bosses. From the beginning I knew it was going to be a rough road, but since I was laid off during Covid, I felt I needed to stick it out and see where it went. Now I have the problem of what that looks like on my resume, regardless of the 15 years of successful sales and management experience at top companies, prior to my last 4 years. My question is, if I am eager to get into a different or related industry (as mine is shrinking) , how can I get "decent" job opportunities. I am fine with taking on contract or part time if it gets me experience in another industry. However these positions seem to be entry level. Does anyone know of a good source for perhaps "mid level" sales positions? (yes, I am on Linkedin) They always say if you're good in sales, you can sell anything. However, I have always found that most companies want directly related sales experience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

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AnonymousMarch 11,2023 at 5:04PM UTC
It wasn't fun, but I spent two years selling cars when my only sales experience was in a sales support role for corporate accounts of a software company and some assorted retail sales experience. Something like this can prove that you can do some "high-end" selling (more than a retail job would do). The downside is that most of the pay is commissions, so if you need a predictable and steady income, it can be difficult, but I assume you know that already since most sales jobs (outside of retail) are that way. I got the job, BTW, by telling the hiring manager that I knew I could do the job because it was like a mixture of the two environments I had worked in before. High-end product (which is a longer sales cycle), but more of a one-call-close type of sales model.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMarch 12,2023 at 1:51AM UTC
What kind of sales did you do?
Yes, hiring managers may want directly related sales experience but sales is definitely a space where you can emphasize transferable skills.
Did you have a long sales cycle? Was it a consultative sale or more transactional? Selling capital equipment?
Are you applying for positions that match your previous experience in those areas?
You said you were successful. Sales is all about the numbers. Were you hitting your numbers? Exceeding them? Make sure you have lots of results information on your resume.
Please let me know if you have any questions. GOOD LUCK!
AnonymousMarch 15,2023 at 2:41PM UTC
Medical Sales is a good place to start. Look at McKesson, Zoll, Medline, Henry Schein, etc. They make great money and are a stable industry.